Postlethwait History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Postlethwait

What does the name Postlethwait mean?

The Postlethwait surname is thought to derive from a place name, most likely from Postlewaite in the Parish of Millom, Cumberland. The place name comes from and Old English personal name Possel or Postel, combined with "thwaite," which means "a clearing."

Early Origins of the Postlethwait family

The surname Postlethwait was first found in Cumberland, where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The family appear from ancient documents to have held lands in various parts of Cumberland from an early period. The original name came from Possel or Postel's clearing, a thwaite being a clearing. In time, the 'thwaite' was corrupted to 'white' and some of the family name still prefer this spelling.

Early History of the Postlethwait family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Postlethwait research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1650, 1713, 1780 and 1809 are included under the topic Early Postlethwait History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Postlethwait Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Postlethwaite, Postelthwaite, Postel, Postell, Postels, Postells, Postill, Posselthwaite, Postlewhite, Postlethwait, Poslethwaite, Postlewaite, Poslethwait, Postillthwaite, Postilthwaite and many more.

Early Notables of the Postlethwait family

Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Postlethwait Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Postlethwait family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Marie Postel who settled in Carolina in 1695; Wm. Postell settled in Virginia in 1635; Hugh Postlewaite settled in Virginia in 1739.

Contemporary Notables of the name Postlethwait (post 1700) +

Clarence Eugene Postlethwait (d. 1950), American Sergeant First Class, recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously)
John H. Postlethwait, American professor of biology and author at University of Oregon

The Postlethwait Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Semper paratus
Motto Translation: Always prepared.